100-511: Meole Brace , sometimes known locally as simply Meole / ˈ m iː ə l / MEE -əl (pronounced like meal ), is a south-western suburb of Shrewsbury , in the civil parish of Shrewsbury, in Shropshire , England. The Rea Brook , a tributary of the River Severn , flows through the area. The brook was in the past known as the "Meole Brook". Meole Village is the name used locally for
200-414: A "Shrew" cartoon was introduced as the club's crest in an attempt to rebrand "Salop" as "The Shrews". During this time, the club's kit was also changed to predominantly white. A campaign by fanzine "A Large Scotch" eventually led to the return of The Loggerheads crest in 1992. The crest changed once in again in 2007 to coincide with Salop's move to New Meadow , the new badge featured a single lion's head in
300-532: A 4–1 win over Exeter City . In addition, the club beat First Division Manchester City 2–0 in an FA Cup run that saw them reach the quarter-finals for the first time, before they lost in a replay to Wolverhampton Wanderers . Turner is the team's most successful manager, winning the Third Division Championship in 1978–79 – his first season in charge – to take the club into the Second Division for
400-410: A circle. The club stated that the new badge was necessary as any design incorporating The Loggerheads could not be copyrighted. Over the years the club has had many different kit suppliers, the most recent being Umbro at the start of the 2021/22 season. It marked the return to the famous double diamond after the supplier manufactured the clubs kits during the most successful period in its history, which
500-491: A cultural continuity possibly going back as far as the 8th century. The centre has a largely undisturbed medieval street plan and over 660 listed buildings , including several examples of timber framing from the 15th and 16th centuries. Shrewsbury Castle , a red sandstone fortification, and Shrewsbury Abbey , were founded in 1074 and 1083 respectively by the Norman Earl of Shrewsbury , Roger de Montgomery . The town
600-481: A dozen Irish prisoners were selected to be killed after picking lots. This prompted Rupert to respond by executing Parliamentarian prisoners in Oswestry . By the 18th century Shrewsbury had become an important market town and stopping point for stagecoaches travelling between London and Holyhead with passengers on their way to Ireland; this led to the establishment of a number of coaching inns, many of which, such as
700-413: A few miles north of the town centre, between King Henry IV and Henry Percy (Hotspur) , with the king emerging victorious. Hotspur's body was taken by Thomas Neville , to Whitchurch , for burial. However, when rumours circulated that Percy was still alive, the king "had the corpse exhumed and displayed it, propped upright between two millstones, in the market place at Shrewsbury". That being done, Percy
800-402: A framed roll of honour listing all who served. Meole Brace is home to Meole Brace Bowling Club, built in 1934, and to the council-run 12-hole Meole Brace Municipal Golf Course. The course links the village to the nearby settlements of Reabrook and Sutton Park as well as Rea Brook Valley Nature Reserve. The suburb has a sunday league football club, AFC Meole Brace, who currently compete in
900-728: A get-together at The Lion being finalised at the Turf. After friendlies and regional cup competitions for the first few seasons, Shrewsbury were founder members of the Shropshire & District League in 1890–91 , later admitted to the Birmingham & District League in 1895–96 . Many of the teams Town faced in the early days have vanished, however Shrewsbury met many of today's Football League and Conference teams, including Crewe Alexandra , Coventry City , Stoke City , Kidderminster Harriers and Stafford Rangers . In 1910, Shrewsbury looked to move to
1000-560: A hillfort near Baschurch . The Historia Divae Monacellae , composed in the 14th or 15th century, says that Brochwel Ysgithrog , the 6th-century king of Powis, had a palace at Shrewsbury that became the site of the foundation of St Chad. In the late 8th century, it is said that Offa took the town for the Mercians in 778, and he is associated by some sources with establishing the town's first church and dedicating it to St Chad . If so, then there may have been an ecclesiastical foundation in
1100-590: A lock of the emperor's hair, presented to an officer of the 53rd, remains to this day in the collections of the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum at Shrewsbury Castle. HM Prison Shrewsbury , when new in the Georgian period, was considered a national example of improved conditions and more enlightened penal policy. Times change and a 2005 report on prison population found that it was the most overcrowded in England and Wales , despite
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#17328554693671200-690: A major expansion in Victorian times. The prison, which was also known as the Dana because it was built near the site of the medieval Dana gaol, was closed in 2013 and then sold by the Ministry of Justice to private property developers in 2014. Shrewsbury Town F.C. Shrewsbury Town Football Club is a professional association football club based in Shrewsbury , Shropshire, England. The team competes in League One ,
1300-558: A member of the Stanley family he was admitted. Thomas Mytton, the Bailiff of the town, a supporter of Richard III , had vowed that the only way he would get through was "over his dead body". Thomas then lay down and allowed Henry to step over him, to free himself from his oath. Henry was accommodated in the building now known as Henry Tudor House on Wyle Cop. In 1490, Henry VII, accompanied by his queen and his son, Prince Arthur , celebrated
1400-405: A new ground, having spent early years at locations across the town, notably near Copthorne Barracks west of the town. The club moved to Gay Meadow on the edge of the town centre, within sight of Shrewsbury Abbey , and stayed 97 years. Shrewsbury's Birmingham League days were mostly mid-table, with a few seasons challenging near the top, the club being league champions in 1922–23 . A move to
1500-504: A plague in Viroconium around this time. It is claimed that Pengwern , sometime capital of the Kingdom of Powis (itself established by the 440s), was at Shrewsbury. The first attested association of Pengwern with Shrewsbury is mentioned by Giraldus Cambrensis in the 12th century. Alternative suggestions as to the location of Pengwern include Whittington Castle near Oswestry , and Berth,
1600-458: A successful reign at local rivals Telford United . In 1999–2000 , Shrewsbury endured a poor season, and in mid-November 1999 King was sacked as the club neared relegation. The former Everton captain and Welsh international Kevin Ratcliffe joined from Chester City as manager and saved Shrewsbury from relegation on the final day of the season with a 2–1 victory away to Exeter City . The season
1700-533: A unique service he and his coracle provided. He would sit in his coracle during Shrewsbury Town home matches, and retrieve any stray footballs that went into the River Severn. Although Davies died long ago, his legend is still associated with the club. A new stadium was opened in July 2007 on Oteley Road, Meole Brace . It features a 9,875 all-seater capacity in four separate stands for football. Capacity for concerts at
1800-501: Is The Energy Check, a South Shields -based Energy management company. The first crest to appear on the shirt of Shrewsbury Town was the town's coat of arms, The Loggerheads in 1907. The crest was used intermittently on shirts until 1960 through to 1970, when a generic football design was used. During this time, The Loggerheads continued to be used on other merchandise, such as match-day programmes. The Loggerheads returned in 1970, and in various guises continued to be used until 1986, when
1900-468: Is a market town , civil parish and the county town of Shropshire , England. It is sited on the River Severn , 33 miles (53 km) northwest of Wolverhampton , 15 miles (24 km) west of Telford , 31 miles (50 km) southeast of Wrexham and 53 miles (85 km) north of Hereford . At the 2021 census , the parish had a population of 76,782. Shrewsbury has Anglo-Saxon roots and institutions whose foundations dating from that time represent
2000-750: Is a Grade II* listed building. The parish is now in the Church of England Diocese of Lichfield . Phil Cansdale is the current Vicar . A social centre of the Meole village is the Peace Memorial Hall in Church Road, erected by the Meole Brace Literary and Debating Society and opened in 1922 to serve the community in honour of villagers who died and those who served in the First World War . The Hall contains
2100-569: Is a large supporters group in Portland, Oregon where there are ties with the MLS side Portland Timbers . In 2019, a group named South Stand Flags was set up after the opening of New Meadow's safe standing section in order to "improve atmosphere at home games". The group, usually based in block 9 of the South Stand, organise choreography and flag displays. Their first fundraiser raised over £1000 which funded
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#17328554693672200-478: Is no longer a railway station here. There is a local comprehensive secondary school , Meole Brace School , and in the heart of the village there is a Church of England primary school and nursery. The village also has a church, Holy Trinity Meole Brace (part of Trinity Churches). Built at a cost of £7500 on the site of the old vicarage, the present building was consecrated by the Bishop of Hereford in 1869 and
2300-493: Is owing to provision made by its head master, the excellent and worthy Thomas Ashton ", the school's first head master. During the English Civil War , Shrewsbury was a Royalist stronghold, under the command of Sir Francis Ottley . In the autumn of 1642 Charles I had a temporary base in the town. Prince Rupert established his headquarters in the town on 18 February 1644, being welcomed by Shrewsbury's aldermen. He
2400-497: Is the birthplace of Charles Darwin . It has had a role in nurturing aspects of English culture, including drama , ballet , dance and pantomime . Located 9 miles (14 km) east of the England–Wales border , Shrewsbury serves as the commercial centre for Shropshire and parts of mid-Wales, with a retail output of over £299 million per year and light industry and distribution centres, such as Battlefield Enterprise Park , on
2500-511: Is thought that the name came to be used in plural form because several different landowners held parts of the Meole estate. The name is first attested with the addition of Brace in 1274, as Melesbracy . This element comes from the name of the de Braci family, which held part of the land at Meole. An Iron Age double ring ditch has been excavated at Meole Brace. Amongst other finds, parts of an iron age sword and scabbard were recovered. Also at Meole Brace, an extensive roadside settlement along
2600-480: The 2004 Conference play-off final . They subsequently lost League Two play-off finals in 2007 and 2009 before they won automatic promotion in 2011–12 and again in 2014–15 after relegation in the previous season. They finished as runners-up in the 2018 EFL Trophy final and 2018 League One play-off final . The club plays its home games at New Meadow , having moved from the Gay Meadow in 2007. They have won
2700-480: The 2011–12 season they finished second on 88 points, and beat Dagenham & Redbridge 1–0 with a James Collins header in the penultimate game of the season to achieve promotion to League One after a 15-year absence. Shrewsbury also enjoyed a notable run in the League Cup, beating Derby County at Pride Park and Premier League Swansea City , before losing 3–1 to Arsenal after James Collins headed them in front at
2800-790: The Earls of Tankerville . St John the Baptist hospital passed to the Wood family and became almshouses. At this time the shrine and relics of St Winifred were destroyed. The Council of Wales and the Marches was established during the 1470s by Edward IV with a headquarters in the town. Its buildings partly survive near the castle and were later adapted to be an episcopal palace, the council also met at Ludlow Castle . Members of this council included John Dudley, Earl of Warwick , Sir Henry Sidney , William Herbert, 1st Earl of Pembroke , and Sir Rowland Hill , publisher of
2900-521: The Emirates Stadium . Shrewsbury exceeded expectations in the 2012–13 season and sealed League One safety with two games to spare by beating Oldham Athletic 1–0, finishing 16th. The first half of the following season was disappointing, and Turner quit in January and relegation was confirmed after a 4–2 home defeat against Peterborough United . In May 2014 the ex- Fleetwood Town boss Micky Mellon
3000-753: The Football League in 1950 and won promotion out of the Fourth Division at the end of the 1958–59 season. They were promoted again in 1974–75 after being relegated the previous year, and went on to win the Third Division title in 1978–79. They returned to the fourth tier following relegations in 1989 and 1992, where they won another league title in 1993–94. The club lost in the 1996 Football League Trophy final and dropped into non-League football after suffering relegations in 1997 and 2003. Shrewsbury immediately regained their Football League status after winning
3100-546: The Forest of Arden , a thickly wooded area, unpenetrated by Roman roads and somewhat dangerous in medieval times, so that travellers would pray at Coughton before entering. In 1102, Robert of Bellême, 3rd Earl of Shrewsbury was deposed and the title forfeited, as a consequence of him rebelling against Henry I and joining the Duke of Normandy 's invasion of England in 1101. William Pantulf , Lord of Wem , assisted Henry in putting down
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3200-530: The Geneva Bible and potential inspiration for a hero in Shakespeare's As You Like It . Its functions were interpreted widely. It was to hear all suits, civil and criminal, which were brought by individuals too poor to sue at common law; it was to try all cases of murder, felony, piracy, wrecking and such crimes as were likely to disturb the peace; it was to investigate charges of misgovernment by officials and
3300-635: The Midland League in 1937–38 saw the club enjoy one of its most successful seasons, winning a league and cup treble. Shrewsbury were league champions, scoring 111 goals . In addition, the Welsh Cup was won following a replay, the team enjoyed a run in the FA Cup , and won the Shropshire Senior Cup . After a run of good seasons in post-war years, Shrewsbury were admitted, alongside Scunthorpe United to
3400-628: The Shropshire Senior Cup a record 67 times and are the only club from the county to ever play in the Football League. The first club in the town was the Shrewsbury Football Club , founded in 1868, which in the 1877–78 football season won both the Birmingham Senior Cup and Shropshire Senior Cup , and was captained by John Hawley Edwards . It disbanded in around 1880. The present Shrewsbury Town were formed in 1886, following
3500-514: The 1220s, there was also a general hospital dedicated to St John the Baptist. In January 1234 Prince Llywelyn ab Iorwerth of Wales and Richard Marshal, 3rd Earl of Pembroke burned down the town and laid siege to its castle. In 1283, Edward I summoned a parliament in Shrewsbury, later adjourned to Acton Burnell , to try and condemn Dafydd ap Gruffydd , last of the native Princes of Wales, to execution by hanging, drawing and quartering within
3600-402: The 14th and 15th centuries and a new shrine for her relics was built in the late 1300s. Around this time the abbey illegally acquired the relics of St Beuno , uncle of St Winifred, by stealing them. As a result the abbey was fined but allowed to keep the relics. From 1155, during the reign of Henry II , there was a leper hospital dedicated to St Giles and associated with Shrewsbury Abbey. From
3700-507: The 1995–96 Football League Trophy final. They lost 2–1 to Rotherham United , with future Shrewsbury striker Nigel Jemson scoring both Rotherham goals. Shrewsbury remained a mid-table team before slipping down to the bottom division again at the end of 1996–97 . Davies was sacked in May 1997 to make way for the former club captain Jake King to return to the club where he began his career, following
3800-611: The Bailiffs in a most royal and hospitable manner. Shrewsbury's monastic institutions were disbanded with the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the Abbey was closed in 1540. Henry VIII intended to make Shrewsbury one of his 13 new bishoprics (serving Shropshire and Staffordshire ) and hence a cathedral city, after the formation of the Church of England but the citizens of the town declined
3900-576: The Birmingham League. This ground is now allotments. Town played at Barracks Ground, Copthorne for 15 years, over 300 matches between 1895 and 1910 against more classier opposition of reserve teams like Aston Villa and Wolves. In 1909–10 they reached the first round of the FA Cup. Shrewsbury played at Gay Meadow , Abbey Foregate between 1910 and 2007. For many years, Shrewsbury coracle maker Fred Davies achieved some notability amongst football fans, by
4000-591: The Council House to St Chad’s Church, the choir of which was fitted up in imitation of St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle with the stalls decorated with the arms of the Knights of the Garter ; on the conclusion of divine service Sir Henry devoted the afternoon to feasting the burgesses. Shrewsbury thrived throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, a period when the town was at the height of its commercial importance. This success
4100-523: The Council: represented a remarkable experiment in regional government. It administered the law cheaply and rapidly; it dealt with up to twenty cases a day and George Owen stated that the 'oppressed poor' flocked to it. In 1551 there was a notable outbreak of sweating sickness in the town, which Dr John Caius was in the town to attend to at the command of the council. The following year, after his return to London, Caius published A Boke or Counseill Against
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4200-537: The Disease Commonly Called the Sweate, or Sweatyng Sicknesse . The president of the council was the dedicatee of the book and the dedicatory epistle explains his appointment. This text became the main source of knowledge of this disease, now understood to be influenza . In 1581, Sir Henry Sidney, celebrated the feast of St George, on 23 April, in this town, with great splendour: a solemn procession went from
4300-510: The European champions Liverpool , which Shrewsbury drew 2–2. Town narrowly lost the replay 1–0 at Anfield in front of an attendance of 52,399. However, following disruption to the season in March 2020 due to COVID-19 , final League One standings were decided on a points per game basis with Shrewsbury finishing in 15th place. In November 2020, Ricketts was sacked with Shrewsbury in 23rd place and
4400-536: The Lion Hotel, are extant to this day. A town hall was built in the Market Place on the site of an ancient guildhall in 1730; it was demolished and a new combined guildhall and shirehall was erected on the site in 1837. Local soldier and statesman Robert Clive served as the town's mayor in 1762 and was Shrewsbury's MP from 1762 until his death in 1774. St Chad's Church collapsed in 1788 after attempts to expand
4500-717: The Quarry. In the Industrial Revolution the Shrewsbury Canal opened in 1797, initially connecting the town to Trench . By 1835 it had been linked up to the Shropshire Canal and thence to the rest of the canal network . In the period directly after Napoleon 's surrender after the Battle of Waterloo , the town's own 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment of Foot was sent to guard him in his exile on St Helena . A locket containing
4600-598: The Shrewsbury & District Sunday League. They play home games at Church Road. The New Meadow (aka Croud Meadow), the home ground of Shrewsbury Town F.C. , is located just to the east of the suburb. Meole Brace is mentioned in The Cadfael Chronicles . Shrewsbury 52°42′29″N 2°45′14″W / 52.708°N 2.754°W / 52.708; -2.754 Shrewsbury ( / ˈ ʃ r oʊ z b ər i / SHROHZ -bər-ee , also / ˈ ʃ r uː z -/ SHROOZ - )
4700-471: The club had unearthed two talented local players in Joe Hart and David Edwards , who both went on to become experienced internationals. Despite the departure of their goalkeeper Hart to Manchester City , Shrewsbury went on a 14-match unbeaten run in the 2006–07 season . Following a 2–2 draw against Grimsby Town in the final League match to be held at Gay Meadow, they finished in seventh place to qualify for
4800-510: The club on 3 March 2008 by mutual consent, and his replacement, Paul Simpson , led the club to an 18th-place finish in the league. After the season, the kit manufacturer Prostar earned the naming rights of the stadium. The 2008–09 season saw Shrewsbury reach the play-offs again, after they beat Dagenham and Redbridge on the final day of the season. They beat Bury 4–3 on penalties in the semi-finals, with Luke Daniels making two saves to send Shrewsbury through, but lost 1–0 to Gillingham in
4900-664: The club's final League game, a 2–1 defeat to Scunthorpe United , who coincidentally had been Shrewsbury's first League opponents in 1950. The Northwich Victoria manager Jimmy Quinn was appointed Shrewsbury's manager in May 2003. With most of the previous year's players released, Quinn assembled a whole new squad, with experienced non-league players such as Darren Tinson and Jake Sedgemore joined by Colin Cramb , Scott Howie and former League Cup finalist Martin O'Connor . The league title went to Chester City, but with 74 points, Shrewsbury finished third and defeated Barnet on penalties in
5000-407: The country. On 9 November, Oliver Norburn became the third Town player to be called up by Grenada , whom he qualified for through his paternal grandfather. On 26 January 2020, Joseph made his first visit to his adopted club, where he witnessed The Shrews come back from 2–0 down to draw 2–2 with Liverpool . The club maintains several rivalries. The rivalry with near-neighbours Hereford United
5100-410: The crypt compromised the structural integrity of the tower above. Now known as Old St Chad's, the remains of the church building and its churchyard are on the corner of Princess Street, College Hill and Belmont. A new St Chad's Church was built just four years after the collapse, but as a large neo-classical round church and in a different and more elevated location, at the top of Claremont Hill close to
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#17328554693675200-467: The demise of first Shropshire Wanderers and later indirectly Castle Blues . Press reports differ as to the exact date the new club was formed, The Eddowes Shropshire Journal of 26 May 1886 reported the birth of the club at The Lion Hotel, Wyle Cop, Shrewsbury . The Shrewsbury Chronicle reported the club being formed at the Turf Hotel, Claremont Hill, Shrewsbury. It may be both accounts are true, with
5300-787: The end of 1988–89 after ten years. In the Third Division, on 22 December 1990, Gary Shaw scored the quickest Town hat trick – 4 minutes and 32 seconds – against Bradford City at Valley Parade . At the end of 1991–92 , three years after relegation to the Third Division, the club was relegated to the Fourth – the first time since 1975. However, two seasons later Shrewsbury won the new (fourth tier) Division Three championship under Fred Davies in 1993–94 , and remained in Division Two (third tier) for three seasons. The 1990s saw Shrewsbury make their first appearance at Wembley as finalists in
5400-491: The end of the 1985–86 season to relegate their opponents, who went out of business and almost out of existence. The match was marred by violence from Middlesbrough fans, with many of them later having to return to Shrewsbury for court appearances. In the early to mid-1980s the club enjoyed its most successful Football League run. Shrewsbury survived through the sale of players, including Steve Ogrizovic , David Moyes , John McGinlay and Bernard McNally . They were relegated at
5500-419: The false verdicts of juries; it was to enforce the laws against livery and maintenance, to punish rumour mongers and adulterers, and to deal with disputes concerning enclosures, villein service and manorial questions; it heard appeals from the common law courts; and it was responsible for administering the legislation dealing with religion. According to historian John Davies , at its peak in the mid-16th century,
5600-463: The feast of St George in the town. The town is recorded as having entertained Henry again in 1496, with attendants lodged in the Sextry of Old St Chads; more generally it is said of Henry VII's relations with the town that: The intercourse which had begun thus favourably was kept up in after years by Henry, who, with his queen and son, frequently visited this town, upon which occasions they were feasted by
5700-508: The first attempt. Shrewsbury gained their first promotion, to the Third Division , in 1958–59 . They remained in the third tier 15 years, slipping back to Division Four at the end of 1973–74 . 1960–61 season saw Shrewsbury Town reach the Semi Final of the League Cup . After beating Everton in the quarter-finals, they narrowly lost over two legs 4–3 on aggregate to Rotherham United . This era
5800-542: The first time. They remained in the division for ten years, although Turner departed for Aston Villa in 1984. Shrewsbury again reached the FA Cup quarter-finals in 1981–82 , defeating the UEFA Cup holders Ipswich Town in the fifth round before losing 5–2 away to Leicester City . The 1980s saw many big teams defeated by Shrewsbury, including Fulham , Newcastle United , Blackburn Rovers , West Ham United and Chelsea . Shrewsbury beat Middlesbrough 2–1 at Gay Meadow at
5900-613: The guilds of the Ironmongers and Goldsmiths . This fraternity were patrons of the Altar of St Michael in St Chad's Church and they kept a Mercers Hall on the site of the Sextry of Old St Chads . In 1485, ahead of the Battle of Bosworth Field , Henry Tudor , while not yet king, marched his forces on a route that lay through Shrewsbury. He was initially denied access to the town, but on intervention by
6000-562: The line of the Roman military road connecting Viroconium Cornoviorum ( Wroxeter ) and Caersws was uncovered, with evidence of trading of amphorae and mortaria . The A5112 (Hereford Road), formerly the A49 , is the main road running north–south. There is a large retail park in Meole Brace, with several leading retailers. The Welsh Marches and Cambrian railway lines run through the area, but there
6100-448: The nation to a six-match unbeaten run in qualifying for the CONCACAF Gold Cup . The president of the Grenada Football Association , Cheney Joseph , adopted The Shrews as his team, stating "I have fallen in love with Shrewsbury. I'm serious. I believe they can become a dream story, a Cinderella story". In November 2019, Joseph sent a partnership offer to the club, as well as a formal invitation for Town chairman Roland Wycherley to visit
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#17328554693676200-434: The now defunct Chester City . In 2010, a new club was formed named Chester FC who, like Hereford, also compete in the National League North and are yet to meet Shrewsbury in any competition. Another rivalry for the Shrews is with Welsh club Wrexham . Following Wrexham's relegation from the Football League in 2008, the fixture was not competed again until 2024 for an FA Cup match. The two sides also met in League One during
6300-418: The offer, which is the point of origin of the term "Proud Salopians": the town leadership preferring to be the most senior town in the country and not the most junior city. As a consequence of the dissolution, the monastic hospitals were closed and the incomes from their endowments were transferred to secular owners. St Giles's leper hospital passed to the Prince family, who were succeeded by their descendants
6400-489: The old Division 3 (North) of the Football League in 1950, after being Midland League champions in 1949–50 , following the decision to expand from 88 to 92 clubs. Elevation to the football league in 1950 saw the club play one season in the Northern section of the third division, followed by a further seven in the Southern section, this before they became founder members of the newly formed fourth division in 1958–59, gaining immediate promotion as runners-up to Mansfield Town at
6500-404: The older part of Meole Brace, which was originally a village outside Shrewsbury. It still retains a village feel, though it is surrounded by newer urban development. This older settlement lies on the route of a Roman road and could be older than the town of Shrewsbury. Nearby are the small villages of Nobold and Pulley . In 1931 the parish had a population of 2253. On 1 April 1935 the parish
6600-631: The outskirts. The A5 and A49 trunk roads come together as the town's by-pass and five railway lines meet at Shrewsbury railway station . In Old English the settlement was known as Scrobbesburh ( dative Scrobbesbyrig ), which may mean either "Scrobb's fort" or "the fortified place in the bushes" (or "shrubs", the modern derivate). This name gradually evolved in three directions, into Sciropscire , which became Shropshire ; into Sloppesberie , which became Salop / Salopia (an alternative name for both town and county), and into Schrosberie , which eventually became
6700-437: The play-off final, with a goal in the 90th minute by Gillingham's Simeon Jackson . On 30 April 2010, after a disappointing 2009–10 season, Simpson was dismissed with two games remaining. Graham Turner returned to Shrewsbury Town as manager in June 2010. The club finished the 2010–11 season in fourth place, missing automatic promotion by one point. They lost 2–0 on aggregate in the play-off semi-final to Torquay United . In
6800-511: The play-off semi-finals to set up a final against Aldershot Town , at Stoke City 's Britannia Stadium . After a 1–1 draw, Shrewsbury's goalkeeper Scott Howie saved three consecutive Aldershot penalties in another penalty shoot-out, and the defender Trevor Challis scored the winning kick. Quinn departed 14 league games into the 2004–05 season , and was replaced by the former Preston North End manager Gary Peters , who preserved Shrewsbury's Football League status in League Two. Meanwhile,
6900-420: The play-offs, where they defeated Milton Keynes Dons in the semi-finals. The team lost to Bristol Rovers in the final on 26 May 2007 at the new Wembley Stadium in front of a record crowd for any fourth-tier game of 61,589. The club chairman Roland Wycherley had cut the first sod of soil at Shrewsbury's New Meadow ground in the summer of 2006 and club moved permanently for the 2007–08 season . Peters left
7000-437: The purchase of 50 new flags. The group has gained of praise from players and managers, including the ex-Shrewsbury boss Sam Ricketts . An unofficial fanzine and forum named Blue & Amber was introduced in 2005. In late 2019 the club started attracting fans from the small Caribbean island nation of Grenada . The support stemmed from the club having two Grenada internationals, Aaron Pierre and Omar Beckles , who helped
7100-443: The rebellion. To deal with the thickly wooded local forests, ideal for the concealment of archers, Pantulf brought in 6,000 foot soldiers to cut down trees and open up the roads. Henry subsequently took the government of the town into his own hands and in 1116 the nobility of England did homage to William Ætheling , Henry’s son, at Shrewsbury, and swore allegiance to his father. The early death of William Ætheling without issue led to
7200-419: The shirts radically changed to white shirts for four seasons before reverting to stripes in 1991–92. After a flamboyant abstract pattern on the shirts in 1992–93, Shrewsbury's kits have stayed mostly blue, with amber stripe(s) of some description evident since 1999. The shirt sponsors have, since their introduction in 1982 until 2017, all been local companies. As of the 2017–18 season , the current shirt sponsor
7300-417: The stadium is 17,000. The ground has conference facilities, a function area, snack bars, licensed bars, a club shop and a restaurant. Within the stadium confines are training facilities for the club and a 5-a-side football complex which is run The Shrewsbury Town Foundation. The first match at the stadium was 4–0 win against A-line Allstars featuring Gianfranco Zola on 14 July 2007. The first league match
7400-456: The stadium. The England Women's team have played three matches at New Meadow. For sponsorship reasons, the stadium has been named The Croud Meadow since June 2023. The club's colours have always featured blue. However, blue has not always been the most dominant colour. Early kits included blue and white stripes, quartered shirts and all-blue shirts, which were worn with either white or amber trim until 1978. In 1978 Shrewsbury's most famous kit
7500-557: The strategic importance of the Roman Road link via the Via Devana ). Viking raiders from the north were reaching as far south as Bridgnorth by 910. In the early 10th century, the relics of St Alkmund were translated to the town from Derby , this was probably the work of Æthelflæd. (Later, after St Alkmund's Church became the property of Lilleshall Abbey in about 1145, the relics were retranslated back to Derby.) Roger de Montgomery
7600-606: The succession crisis, known in history as the Anarchy , and during this period, in 1138, King Stephen successfully besieged the town's castle held by William FitzAlan for the Empress Maud . In 1138 the relics of St Winifred were brought to Shrewsbury from Gwytheryn , following their purchase by the Abbot of Shrewsbury , the abbey being ready for consecration but having no relics prior to that time. The popularity of St Winifred grew in
7700-583: The team to the League One play-offs , but they lost to Rotherham United after extra time. Hurst left to join Ipswich Town on 30 May 2018. He was replaced by former Macclesfield boss John Askey , who was sacked in November 2018 having won just five of their opening 21 games. His successor, Sam Ricketts was appointed manager in December. A highlight of the 2019–20 season was a fourth round FA Cup tie against
7800-506: The third level of the English football league system . Founded in 1886, the club were inaugural members of the Shropshire & District League in 1890 and then joined the Birmingham & District League five years later. Crowned champions in 1922–23, they switched to the Midland League in 1937 and won the Midland League title in 1937–38, 1945–46 and 1947–48. Shrewsbury were admitted into
7900-520: The third round in front of 7,800 spectators. Watched by a near-capacity crowd of 7,950, Town lost 4–0 in the fourth round to Chelsea in a match televised on BBC's Match of the Day , with Gianfranco Zola scoring twice. The side's form then disappeared, and they picked up just two further wins as they were relegated from the Football League after 53 years. Following angry demonstrations from fans, Ratcliffe resigned, and Mark Atkins took temporary charge for
8000-551: The town after Dafydd was captured, ending his rebellion against the king. It is thought this parliament met in the Abbey. Shrewsbury was devastated by the Black Death , which, records suggest, arrived in the spring of 1349. Examining the number of local church benefices falling vacant due to death, 1349 alone saw twice as many vacancies as the previous ten years combined, suggesting a high death toll in Shrewsbury. "The Great Fire of Shrewsbury" took place in 1394: St Chad's church
8100-669: The town within a century of the death of Chad of Mercia . By the beginning of the 10th century, Shrewsbury was home to three moneyers who had permission to operate a mint in the town, using dies supplied by the royal government. In 914, Æthelflæd , daughter of Alfred the Great and known as the Lady of the Mercians, fortified Shrewsbury, along with Hereford and two other fortresses, at Scergeat (a currently unknown location) and Weardbyrig (thought to be Whitchurch , which would make sense given
8200-613: The town's name, Shrewsbury. Its later Welsh name Amwythig means "fortified place". The town's name can be pronounced as either 'Shrowsbury' or 'Shroosbury', the correct pronunciation being a matter of longstanding debate. Evidence of Neolithic occupation of a religious form dating back before 2,000 BC, was discovered in 2017 in the grounds of the medieval Church of the Holy Fathers in Sutton Farm , making it Britain's oldest place of worship. An Early Bronze Age urned burial
8300-636: Was a 1–0 win against Bradford City with Dave Hibbert scoring the winner. Shrewsbury's record victory at this ground is 7–0 against Gillingham on 13 September 2008 in League Two . The record attendance at New Meadow is 10,210 vs. Chelsea in the 2014–15 Football League Cup . The record league attendance at New Meadow was 9,510 for a League One tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers in September 2013. The England under-18s , under-19s , under-20s , under-21s and England women's senior team have all played at
8400-651: Was a 5–2 victory over Wellington Town on 16 October 1886 at the Racecourse Ground. Copthorne 1889–1893 Town spent 4 seasons at Ambler's Field, Copthorne between 1889 and 1893. Here they were founder members of the Shropshire and District League started in 1890. 22 February 1890 saw town's record victory which was 18–0 against Wellington Town (Bowdler 8, Phasey 3, Rowlands 2 Gosson 3 Aston and Murphy). Town played 44 times at this ground. Sutton Farm 1893–1895 Town played 47 times in 2 seasons at Sutton Lane, Sutton Farm and when they moved from here, they also moved up to
8500-527: Was abolished and merged with Shrewsbury, Condover and Great Hanwood . Meole Brace takes the first part of its name from the Meole Brook , the etymology of whose name is debated. The settlement is first attested under this name in the Domesday Book of 1086, as Mela . Thereafter the name is usually attested in the plural, with thirteenth-century spellings including Meles , Moles , Meoles and Mueles . It
8600-657: Was also remembered for Arthur Rowley . He arrived from Leicester City in 1958, the club's first player/manager. During his playing and managerial career, he broke Dixie Dean 's goal-scoring record, scoring his 380th league goal against Bradford City at Valley Parade on 29 April 1961. Retiring from playing in 1965 he remained manager until July 1968. Shrewsbury were promoted to the Third Division in 1974–75 as runners-up, before another successful season in 1978–79 , when they were league champions under Ritchie Barker and later Graham Turner . Over 14,000 fans packed Gay Meadow on 17 May 1979 to see Shrewsbury seal promotion with
8700-565: Was appointed manager. Town were promoted back to League One on 25 April 2015 with a 1–0 victory away to Cheltenham Town via Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro 's goal. Mellon left for Tranmere Rovers in October 2016, and was replaced by the Grimsby Town manager Paul Hurst , with Shrewsbury bottom. In 2017–18, Hurst led Shrewsbury to the EFL Trophy Final , which they lost to Lincoln City . He also led
8800-567: Was billeted in a building then the home of the family of Thomas Jones in the precincts of what is now the Prince Rupert Hotel. Shrewsbury only fell to Parliament forces after they were let in by a parliamentarian sympathiser at the St Mary's Water Gate (now also known as Traitor's Gate). After Thomas Mytton captured Shrewsbury in February 1645; in following with the ordnance of no quarter ;
8900-424: Was consumed by an accidental fire, which spread to a great portion of the town, then chiefly consisting of timber houses with thatched roofs. The damage was so considerable that Richard II remitted the town's taxes for three years towards the repairs. In 1398, Richard summoned a Great Parliament in the town, which is believed to have met in the Abbey. In 1403 the Battle of Shrewsbury was fought at Battlefield ,
9000-419: Was excavated at Crowmeole in 2015. An Iron Age double ring ditch has been excavated at Meole Brace . Amongst other finds, parts of an iron age sword and scabbard were recovered. At Meole Brace, an extensive roadside settlement along the line of the Roman military road connecting Viroconium Cornoviorum and Caersws was uncovered, with evidence of trading of amphorae and mortaria . A major discovery
9100-505: Was from 1973 to 1982. From the start of the 2024/25 season, Oxen will become the clubs new technical kit supplier. The club has many supporters groups from different areas of the nationally and internationally, including locally throughout Shropshire , Wales , Scotland , London and internationally in Italy (where there is a team called Shrewsbury Town in a league in Milan). Most recently there
9200-562: Was given the town as a gift from William the Conqueror and took the title of Earl of Shrewsbury. He built at Shrewsbury Castle in 1074, though archaeological excavations at the site of Shrewsbury castle in 2019 have indicated that the location may have been a fortified site in the time of the Anglo-Saxons. He also founded Shrewsbury Abbey as a Benedictine monastery in 1083. The town's position just off Watling Street placed it within
9300-447: Was in this period that Edward VI gave permission for the foundation of a free school, which was later to become Shrewsbury School . Later, William Camden , in his Britannia (begun 1577), remarked of the town that "Shrewsbury is inhabited both by Welsh and English, who speak each other's language; and among other things greatly to their praise is the grammar school founded by them, the best filled in all England, whose flourishing state
9400-524: Was introduced – the blue and amber stripes, which they wore as they were promoted in successive seasons, up to the old second division (now the Football League Championship). This was the design worn by character Derek Smalls in the movie This Is Spinal Tap . The club was not loyal to the stripes for long, and in 1982 reverted to a blue shirt, then used a blue body with amber sleeves, later reverting to an amber body with blue sleeves. In 1987
9500-444: Was known as the 'Great Escape'. Subsequently Town made steady progress with Luke Rodgers emerging as a regular goalscorer, and they narrowly missed the 2001–02 league play-offs after a final-day defeat to Luton Town . The 2002–03 season saw Shrewsbury enjoy an FA Cup run. After dispatching non-league sides Stafford Rangers and Barrow , they hit the headlines when Nigel Jemson struck twice to beat Everton 2–1 at Gay Meadow in
9600-607: Was largely due to the town's location, which allowed it to control the Welsh wool trade , a major industry at the time, with the rest of Britain and Europe, with the River Severn and Watling Street acting as trading routes. This trade was dominated by the Shrewsbury Drapers Company for many years. As a result, a number of grand edifices, including the Ireland's Mansion (built 1575) and Draper's Hall (1658), were constructed. It
9700-584: Was ranked nineteenth in The Daily Telegraph ' s Twenty fiercest rivalries in English football in 2015. Known as the ' A49 derby ' due to the road that connects Shrewsbury with Hereford , it has not been played since Hereford United went out of business and reformed as Hereford FC , who now play in the National League North , three divisions below The Shrews . This is similar to the rivalry with
9800-613: Was replaced by Steve Cotterill . He helped Shrewsbury to a five-year high of 12th place in 2023, then stepped down in June 2023 and was replaced by Matt Taylor , who lasted less than seven months as manager. On 24 January 2024, the club confirmed the reappointment of Paul Hurst as head coach. The Racecourse Ground was used in Monkmoor between 1886 and 1889. Town's first ground hosted 51 matches over 3 years. The majority of these were friendlies as Town were not members of any league. Their first game
9900-642: Was subjected to posthumous execution . One of the Princes in the Tower , Richard of Shrewsbury , was born in the town around 17 August 1473, the second son of King Edward IV of England and Elizabeth Woodville . In 1480, Edward V , then Prince of Wales (and the other prince of the Princes in the Tower), was resident in Shrewsbury. On 11 May Edward V confirmed the composition of the town's Mercer's Company , which had merged with
10000-532: Was the finding of the Shrewsbury Hoard of more than 9000 Roman coins in a field near the town in 2009. Prior to the late 8th century, there is little in the way of reliable records. There is a tradition that the town was "founded in the 5th century, on occasion of the decay of the Roman Uriconium ." Historian John Wacher suggests that Shrewsbury may have been refortified by refugees fleeing an outbreak of
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